It was smooth when I got her back, I'm hoping this is just a blip in the break-in and it will start working correctly with more miles clocked. The power at hand is certainly much better than before my trip, lovely to have more horses at hand on the road!

On most motorcycles, the clutch is operated by the clutch lever, located on the left handlebar. No pressure on the lever means that the clutch plates are engaged (driving), while pulling the lever back towards the rider will disengage the clutch plates, allowing the rider to shift gears.

What I meant is that when the clutch leaver is pulled in, ie the plates should not be touching, I have felt some friction as if the plates are engaged. That may just be a case of the cable tension needs adjusting now it's worn in, not sure if that would be causing the weirdness with gears not clicking in properly

What I meant is that when the clutch leaver is pulled in, ie the plates should not be touching, I have felt some friction as if the plates are engaged. That may just be a case of the cable tension needs adjusting now it's worn in, not sure if that would be causing the weirdness with gears not clicking in properly

James,I'd expect that any clutch drag might well affect going into first gear.And it could have some effect when shifting into other gears too.Typically can be remedied with an adjustment.

Managed 20 odd miles tonight and all seemed well. Gearchanges are smooth and power seems unaffected by the engine strip trauma, looks like they got all the bits back in the right place.

A few scratches I didn't have before (oddly on the front of the crankcase) and a bit more gasket sealant oozing out than I'd like but I can rectify that easily enough.

Suspected a head gasket leak after ten miles but I think it's just assembly oil so I'll keep an eye on it.

The biggest improvement has been the removal of the screen. I took it off after my small accident and haven't put it back yet. For such a small screen it must've reflected back lots of engine noise because things are a lot quieter now.

All in all I'm glad to be putting the miles in again and look forward to finishing the running in, 534 miles so far.

My casing on the right side has a massive scuff I noticed which wasn't there before it went to WS, not sure what I can do about it though as I didn't mention it when the bike was dropped off, I was too eager just to get it back.

Ok now my gears... today it's started making a new noise. When I pull the clutch in I can actually hear the plates spinning around, sorta high pitch like a squeeky wheel but going quicker. Is that normal for RE's or have I got something else wrong

It seems the mechanics weren't too careful when they disassembled and reassembled our bikes. I also have some good size scuffs and scratches on the right side engine case, and a big chip in the silver paint on the engine block at the front mount. The left side of the front engine mount looks like it has been dragged across the concrete, but the right side is fine. There are also various scratches on the frame.I also thought there was an oil leak on the top end. On one of the first rides I noticed some oil running down from the top end, but I have not noticed any since. I too have quite a bit of orange sealant protruding from every seem.

It's not my baby just yet James, it's on probation and e-bay is waiting.

Your clutch sound. Most engines get quieter if the bike is stationary and the clutch is pulled in because a number of gears and the inner clutch drum stop turning. If yours is noisier then it could be something to do with the clutch release mechanism, possibly the thrust bearing. This would be consistent with your gearchanges getting more notchy since the bike was returned.

I would take it back to your dealer and let them have a listen. It's not normal and I doubt it's being caused by the clutch plates.